Saturday, November 12, 2011

WOLF SPIRIT

November already???? Wow!! Where did this year go? Soon it will be another year and time for our New Year’s resolution. What are you going to resolve to do? Think about it and let me know. I will make a section for ‘resolutions’, lets see who keeps theirs. :>)

Enjoy!

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Alaska Native team wins state basketball title for 3rd year
Monday, November 7, 2011
Filed Under: Education | Sports

The boys basketball team from the Alaska Native village of Point Hope is hoping to make history again this season.

The Tikigaq School Harpooners have won the Class 2A Alaska State Basketball Championship each year since 2009. That's a record in the state and a big feat for a team that has to fly to all of its away games.

"This is where I grew up," Denzel Tooyak, a senior guard, told The New York Times. "Everything I do, I do for the whole community and my people."

The team is hoping for a fourth consecutive win under new head coach Leonard Barger. The season begins next month. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Loleta smoke shop sued by state for 'contraband cigarettes'

Posted: 11/07/2011 02:40:09 AM PST

A tribal tobacco shop in Loleta has been ordered by the California Attorney General's Office to stop selling what it describes as illegal cigarettes and to cease distributing them beyond the boundaries of the Wiyot Table Bluff Reservation in Humboldt County.

What was originally an order in a letter dated nearly one year ago has transformed into a lawsuit against the Huber Enterprise Smoke Shop and owner Ardith Huber, alleging the shop has been selling contraband cigarettes since March 2007. The case is scheduled to be heard this week by a Humboldt County Superior Court judge.

The state said in the lawsuit that the smoke shop sells cigarette brands that aren't listed on the California Tobacco Directory and aren't certified as compliant with the California Cigarette Fire Safety and Fire Protection Act. The lawsuit said such brands include Seneca, Opal, Sky Dancer, Smokin' Joes and All Natural Native cigarettes.

Lynda Gledhill, spokeswoman for the Attorney General's Office, said one of the reasons the lawsuit was brought against the shop is that Huber has sold these cigarettes beyond the reservation's boundaries and to non-tribal members.

"We believe Huber is a major supplier of contraband," Gledhill said.

According to the lawsuit, Huber allowed non-Native Americans and other businesses to place orders by telephone for shipment. Customers were allegedly encouraged to buy these "cheap" and "tax-free" cigarettes on the shop's website, ndnsmokes.com, which no longer exists.

In addition, the lawsuit states Huber's choice not to charge taxes on the cigarettes is in violation of California's Unfair Competition Law, making the state lose an 87-cent tax on each package of 20 cigarettes and encouraging people to buy non-state-licensed cigarettes.

While tribal cigarettes aren't covered by the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement of 1998, which requires tobacco companies to pay states to help mitigate the costs of smoking-related public health expenses, Gledhill said that tribal cigarettes are still subject to state taxes. The letter sent to the smoke shop last year states, "Native American tribes and tribal retailers that sell cigarettes to non-Indians and non-members of the tribe are legally obligated to collect applicable state taxes."

Michael Robinson, Huber's attorney, said he didn't want to discuss the specifics of the case but said the next step is for the Humboldt County Superior Court to make a ruling on Nov. 10 as to whether the case can even be heard due to jurisdictional issues.

"You've got a Native American on her own Indian reservation," Robinson said. "Tribes are sovereign entities."

He said the state doesn't have jurisdiction over Huber's smoke shop because it's part of a tribal reservation. He said he originally filed his response to the lawsuit in federal court, but it was remanded back to the state.

"We still believe that the issue of whether or not the state can regulate Indian reservations is a federal issue," Robinson said.

Gledhill said Huber's smoke shop isn't the first Native American tobacco retail facility to be targeted by the Attorney General's Office for selling contraband cigarettes.

"There have been others ... BlackHawk, SevenLeaf, Roadrunner and NativeBuy," Gledhill said, listing smoke shops that have been shut down.

Two newcomers won election to the council. Roy E. Colebut-Ingram and Steven E. Colebut will serve three year terms, starting on January 1.

The race drew attention because two former chairmen -- Michael Thomas and Kenny Reels -- were running. Neither won enough votes to win a seat on the council.

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James Ramos: A proud military tradition in Indian Country
Friday, November 4, 2011

"Native Americans have a rich history of military service and have fought to protect our Nation, even as tribes were battling for their own freedoms and rights. Indeed, Native Americans fought as soldiers in the Civil War, World War I and other conflicts years before they were even granted U.S. citizenship in 1924.

As a community, the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians believe in and practice a tradition of service, sacrifice, leadership, and bravery. Our tribe’s leader Santos Manuel courageously led his fellow tribal members away from their mountain lands to settle in another portion of their aboriginal territories near present-day Highland in order to escape persecution and death in the 19th century.

Riverside and San Bernardino counties are home to approximately 2,000 Native American veterans, and we are extremely proud of their service and the legacy they are building for future generations. In their honor, San Manuel is proud to participate in constructing a monument at the Riverside National Cemetery honoring the contributions of all Native American veterans and servicemen and women."

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'Problem Indians' sent to Hiawatha Asylum
Friday, November 4, 2011

"In 1898, just eight years after the Wounded Knee Massacre, the U.S. Congress passed a bill that created a new federal facility: The Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians. Located in Canton, South Dakota, the Asylum would be the only federal mental institution in the United States created solely for the purpose of housing and treating American Indians who were purportedly mentally ill.

The Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians stands out as a particularly ugly chapter in the history of offenses committed against American Indians. It’s been largely hidden from the public, and it’s seldom acknowledged, even in native circles. Still, records and eyewitness accounts of its existence persist.

The asylum began receiving patients in 1903. Mr. Oscar S. Gifford, a U.S. Representative and a former mayor of Canton, became the first administrator of the asylum. He was not a licensed physician or psychiatrist. Amid rumors of patient mistreatment, Gifford was replaced by psychiatrist Harry Hummer in 1908. Hummer stayed on for twenty five years, although he was ultimately dismissed for malfeasance."

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Oh, Great Spirit

Whose voice I hear in the winds, And whose breath gives life to all the world, hear me, I am small and weak, I need your strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset.

Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice. Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people. Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy - myself.

Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes. So when life fades, as the fading sunset, my Spirit may come to you without shame.

Smith was selected for her efforts to promote a more racially and ethnically diverse legal profession. She worked on Indian issues for the White House during the Clinton administration and is the president-elect of the National Native American Bar Association.

"Mary was the highest-ranking Native American in the Clinton White House," Reginald M. Turner, the chairman of the ABA's Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Legal Profession, said in a press release. "During her time in the White House, Mary was the architect for a historic Native American policy initiative, which spanned areas such as health care, economic development, education, the digital divide and criminal justice issues. This initiative resulted in an increase in funding of $1.1 billion for Native American programs across all federal agencies."

The award will be presented during the 2012 ABA Midyear Meeting, February 4, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Hold On

Hold on to what is good,

Even if it's a handful of earth.

Hold on to what you believe,

Even if it's a tree that stands by itself.

Hold on to what you must do,

Even if it's a long way from here.

Hold on to your life,

Even if it's easier to let go.

Hold on to my hand,

Even if someday I'll be gone away from you.

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Eastern Shoshone man to reintroduce buffalo
Friday, November 4, 2011

"A Montana State University graduate student who shares his father's dream for reintroducing buffalo to a Wyoming Indian reservation has received a national fellowship from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Jason Baldes of Fort Washakie, Wyo., said the Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Graduate Fellowship will help him work toward bringing buffalo back to the Wind River Indian Reservation and promote both ecological and community health. Studying for his master's degree in land resources and environmental sciences (LRES), Baldes is the 11th MSU graduate student to receive the STAR award since 1995. His fellowship amounts to $87,000 over two years.

"I was very surprised," Baldes said. "It's a ticket into accomplishing something we as a family have always really, really wanted.""

Many people after watching the ABC 20/20 special, "Hidden America: Children of the Plains" may be asking, "What can be done to help?" The special depicted the daily lives of young people on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, home of one of the poorest counties in the United States. Like ABC reporter Diane Sawyer inquired at the end of the special, you may also be wondering why American Indians even stay on their reservations.

I am from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, neighbors by geography and tied by family and marriage to our relatives on the Pine Ridge Reservation. While my journey in higher education now finds me serving as president of Northwest Indian College at the Lummi Nation in Washington State, I regularly travel back to my homeland and my family.

The Lakota, Dakota and Nakota bands scattered throughout the Northern Plains and into Canada are bound together by our cultures, languages and our blood. We are one people, with shared languages, beliefs and relationships. We are unique in our understanding of how we came to be people. Inyan, the first creation, gives of its blood to create the sky and water and gives of itself to make the Earth, Maka. We emerge along with all of the other nations onto the Earth—to live with strength and generosity.

Our way of life comes from creation and from the teachings of creation and cannot be turned away from or who we are as a people will be lost. Like many people who meet others with powerful military weapons and a strong sense of righteousness and determination, we were unprepared for the onslaught of European and East Coast settlers onto our homelands. Our people fought hard to keep our homelands and to save our way of life.

While it is true that every Native American is touched in some way by poverty and by the symptoms of poverty—addictions, health problems, lack of access to education and resources—every Native American is also touched by their spirituality and love of their homelands and their knowledge of what it means to be a tribal people. This knowledge is what binds us together as people who love and support one another. This knowledge is what gives us roots in our homelands and what keeps us in the place of our ancestors. This knowledge is what inspires hope and promise for our children today and for future generations.

Education is a way for all Native people to prosper. Tribal colleges and tribal schools are the contemporary places from which our cultures thrive and through which we adapt to modern life.

At Northwest Indian College, for example, we address the unique circumstances of Native American students within the framework of an accredited, two-year and four-year college curriculum.

We estimate that every student and graduate success impacts 35 other people. Our students serve as role models for their children, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, neighbors and friends. As a result, every college student changes the literacy and education level not only of the individual themselves, but of entire communities throughout the Northwest and our country.

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Beverly Cook: The toxic effect of stress on American Indians
Thursday, November 3, 2011

"We know that acts of genocide were perpetrated on our people because we refused to be separated from our lands. Tremendous harm was done by those who would prevent us from speaking or learning our language; by those who would prevent us from practicing our ancient rituals, our healing and doctoring ceremonies, our celebrations, our condolences. The spiritual cloak that was our shield from unrelenting grief and loss from one generation to another was torn from us leaving us vulnerable to what science now calls "over-activation of our fight or flight response" and "toxic stress." Though we are now relatively free to practice our ancient ways, the trauma has not stopped and many of our people have drifted far from ceremonial circles.

Our old ones passed down to us the stories of our beginnings. Our Creation story described where we came from, how we arrived here and gave instructions on how to conduct our ceremonies and be grateful. Our old grandmas and grandpas told stories that taught about life and the most important ones centered around the behavior and care of our children and pregnant women and the responsibilities of their partners. Nothing says that we can’t incorporate those teachings in health care and then remind our patients why it makes sense. (Remember some of our people had little exposure to the old ways.)

Research is showing that stress and traumatic events experienced by an unborn baby in the womb through the mom and during early childhood can alter the genetic makeup of the fetus and child.

These altered genes can have adverse impact on their health in the future. To start these babies may grow to be prone to depression and more reactive to stress or less stress resilient.

Researchers are also finding that some of these altered genes are passed on to the next generation. In the past this mechanism was crucial for the survival of the species during times of extreme environmental changes on the planet."

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A Pueblo Indian Prayer

*Before our white brothers arrived to make us civilized men,

we didn't have any kind of prison. Because of this, we had no delinquents.

*Without a prison, there can be no delinquents.

*We had no locks nor keys and therefore among us there were no thieves.

*When someone was so poor that he couldn't afford a horse, a tent or a blanket, he would, in that case, receive it all as a gift.

*We were too uncivilized to give great importance to private property.

*We didn't know any kind of money and consequently, the value of a human being was not determined by his wealth.

*We had no written laws laid down, no lawyers, no politicians, therefore we were not able to cheat and swindle one another.

*We were really in bad shape before the white men arrived and I don't know how to explain how we were able to manage without these fundamental things that (so they tell us) are so necessary for a civilized society.

The House passed H.R.1904, the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act, last month after rejecting an amendment that would have protected Apache sacred sites.

Rep. Ben Lujan (D-New Mexico) offered the amendment. He noted that nearly every tribe in Arizona, along with major inter-tribal organizations, oppose the transfer of land sacred to the Apache people.

"The federal lands which are proposed to be exchanged, generally known as Oak Flat, are part of the ancestral lands of the San Carlos Apache tribe and other tribes in the region," Lujan said during debate on the bill on October 26. "These lands have unique religious, traditional, and archaeological significance to many tribes in southern Arizona."

The House, however, voted against the amendment. Some of the lawmakers who rejected it also received contributions from the mining industry, The New Mexico Independent reported.

The Crow Tribe of Montana handed out the keys for 17 trailers to individuals and families that lost their homes to major flooding on the reservation.

The tribe was already working with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to bring the mobile homes to the reservation when the floods hit in May. The tribe reassessed its priorities and developed a policy to help those who were most affected by the disaster.

"We're here to provide a service. We're here to give an opportunity and some hope to those people who felt hopeless," Chairman Cedric Black Eagle said as he handed the keys to the first family that received a home, The Billings Gazette reported.

The tribe paid $130,000 to move the 17 trailers from Arkansas to Montana.

The Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut racked up $80 million in debt in its pursuit of federal recognition, Chairman James Cunha told The New London Day.

The tribe, which was split into two factions, spent the money on genealogists, researchers, lawyers, lobbyists and developers. Some money is even owed to Donald Trump.

"Everything's been settled, but we have huge bills for lawyers and outstanding payments to financial backers, Trump among them," Cunha told the paper.

The tribe cited the debt figure in a petition to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The petition asks the Obama administration to reconsider federal recognition for the tribe.

The Bush administration granted, then later rescinded, the tribe's federal status.

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PRAY FOR:

Chief Strong Horse...health
Elder Tony Cricket...health
Elder Wendell Deer With Horns…Health and the best outcome for him with his job.
Elder Tom Flanders…Health and Recovery
Elaine… Grandfather owls wife...health and healing
Bob C....health and healing
Bobbie C...health and strength
Theresa...health and healing
Sarah Spirit...health, healing, wisdom and strength
Leonard Peltier...spiritual strength and health
Lora Lee…Health , strength and healing
Lynn from Oxford...health, healing and strength
Pray for all that are incarcerated that they find peace and a new way.
Pray for wisdom for our Spiritual Leaders so they can help others find their way
Pray for our troops fighting for our freedom
Pray for UTAN... to keep us strong and always together
Pray for all Clan Mothers and Chiefs...to show the right way and to lead with strength and wisdom
All our ancestors and relations
A 'home' for me and Tony....We are still looking and time is running out.

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What is life?

It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.

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Crowfoot, Blackfoot warrior and orator 1830 - 1890

President Obama: National Native American Heritage Month
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2011

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

From the Aleutian Islands to the Florida Everglades, American Indians and Alaska Natives have contributed immensely to our country's heritage. During National Native American Heritage Month, we commemorate their enduring achievements and reaffirm the vital role American Indians and Alaska Natives play in enriching the character of our Nation.

Native Americans stand among America's most distinguished authors, artists, scientists, and political leaders, and in their accomplishments, they have profoundly strengthened the legacy we will leave our children. So, too, have American Indians and Alaska Natives bravely fought to protect this legacy as members of our Armed Forces. As service members, they have shown exceptional valor and heroism on battlefields from the American Revolution to Iraq and Afghanistan. Native Americans have demonstrated time and again their commitment to advancing our common goals, and we honor their resolve in the face of years of marginalization and broken promises. My Administration recognizes the painful chapters in our shared history, and we are fully committed to moving forward with American Indians and Alaska Natives to build a better future together.

To strengthen our economy and win the future for our children, my Administration is addressing problems that have burdened Native American communities for too long. We are working to bolster economic development, expand access to affordable health care, broaden post-secondary educational opportunities, and ensure public safety and tribal justice. In June, I signed an Executive Order establishing the White House Rural Council, to strengthen Federal engagement with tribal governments and promote economic prosperity in Indian Country and across rural America. This comes in conjunction with several settlements that will put more land into the hands of tribes and deliver long-awaited trust reform to Indian Country.

To bring jobs and sustainable growth to tribal nations, my Administration is connecting tribal economies to the broader economy through transportation infrastructure and high-speed Internet, as well as by focusing on clean energy development on tribal lands. First Lady Michelle Obama's recently launched Let's Move! in Indian Country initiative will also redouble efforts to encourage healthy living for American Indians and Alaska Natives. These actions reflect my Administration's ongoing commitment to progress for Native Americans, which was reaffirmed last year when we announced our support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Through a comprehensive strategy where the Federal Government and tribal nations move forward as equal partners, we can bring real and lasting change to Indian Country.

This month, we celebrate the rich heritage and myriad contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives, and we rededicate ourselves to supporting tribal sovereignty, tribal self-determination, and prosperity for all Native Americans. We will seek to strengthen our nation-to-nation relationship by ensuring tribal nations have a voice in shaping national policies impacting tribal communities. We will continue this dialogue at the White House Tribal Nations Conference held in Washington, D.C. next month. As we confront the challenges currently facing our tribal communities and work to ensure American Indians and Alaska Natives have meaningful opportunities to pursue their dreams, we are forging a brighter future for the First Americans and all Americans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2011 as National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities, and to celebrate November 25, 2011, as Native American Heritage Day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

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CONNECTING WITH OUR ANIMAL SPIRIT GUIDES

Messenger.......Journey.......Shadows.......Lifetime

EAGLE

Eagle, Power Animal, Symbol of Spirit, Vision and Strength

By Ina Woolcott

Eagle's medicine includes swiftness, strength, courage, wisdom, keen sight, illumination of Spirit, healing, creation, knowledge of magic, ability to see hidden spiritual truths, rising above the material to see the spiritual, ability to see the overall pattern/big picture, connection to spirit guides and teachers and higher truths, great power and balance, dignity with grace, intuitive and creative spirit, respect for the boundaries of the regions, grace achieved through knowledge and hard work.

Us earthbound humans have for time unknown been inspired by the sight of eagles soaring high in the sky. In ancient Greece the eagle was associated with Zeus, who sometimes shape shifted into one so he could hurl his thunderbolts. In some Native American belief systems the eagle symbolises the Thunderbird, also associated with thunder and lightning. The eagle is a sacred messenger, carrying our prayers on its wings to the Creator/All That Is/Spirit, and returning with gifts and visions for the people. Eagle feathers assist medicine people/shamans in connecting with Spirit for healing. They are deemed the most sacred healing tools, a symbol of power, healing and wisdom. The eagle is also linked to the sun in Gaelic lore, having been called in the Gaelic language Suil-na-Greine, Eye of the Sun.

As well as its ties with the powerful energies of the sky, Eagle holds a deeper meaning. From eagle we learn that life looks different from an aerial perspective. We need to take a new view on the challenges in our lives. If we don't readily find solutions it may be because our vision is too limited to see the solutions that are so glaringly obvious.

Tying in with this thread of thought, one of the lessons to be learned from eagle is not to depend exclusively on intellectual solutions. Through its connection to the air element, eagle is connected to intelligence, but also to Spirit, the knowing that goes far beyond intellect.

Some of Eagles powers are independence, vision and strength. We can see why the eagle has been, and still is, revered. The eagles home is the freedom of the sky. He spends most of his time fearlessly flying high above, bridging heaven and earth, scanning below carefully. Their vision is 8 times stronger than humans, enabling them to see prey miles off. Weighing less than a domestic cat, Eagles strength has nothing to do with his size. Their feet and talons are stronger than a human hand, able to soar down with precision grabbing hold of their prey, mid-flight.

Eagles beak is connected to his jaw and the strongest part of his body. It is designed for breaking and crushing. We are reminded to pay attention to our speech and how it affects others. What we say and tone of our voice should be examined. We mainly use our jaws for speaking. The lesson here is to control what we say, how much and when. Uncontrolled talk makes it easy to hurt someone verbally, to break or crush them with your words.

The vision they posses helps us learn to take a step back and view the bigger picture. We need to view the past and the present objectively, whilst looking towards the future. We need to open our minds and hearts to see past old, restricting beliefs that are holding us back. Eagle teaches us to courageously face our fear of the unknown, so we are then able to fly as high as our heart's joy can take us. Your strengths need to be utilised wisely and remember, to soar like Eagle you must view things with caution, being confident and trusting your abilities.

Eagle is also linked with courage. To give up our limited perspectives, to release ourselves from comfortable, familiar thought patterns, even when they don't appear to be working, and fly into a larger world requires that we are brave enough to enter unknown realms. This is further emphasised by Native American and Celtic tales, of shamans and druids who shapeshifted into eagles.

Mental and emotional shapeshifting is sometimes necessary if we want to grow and learn. As with all things there are risks involved in allowing our beings to assume new forms, however the rewards are greater. Eagle asks us to recognise that the earth is not our only home, as well for us to join it in the flight to our true home - the world of Spirit.

Eagles are majestic and bear a powerful presence. They can be social birds, but they do need isolation from human intrusion to breed in the wild. If a human comes to close or touches their nest, they are very likely to abandon it. Both the male and female eagles incubate the eggs and share the duties of raising their young.

The eagle is an incredibly patient being, often perching in a tree, holding the same position for hours on end. Those with this power animal are shown how to master the art of patience in every area of their life. For within the energy of patience all things are possible.

Eagle teaches us how to go through life without becoming attached to anything, how to accept what comes our way and see everything as a gift from the universe. With their acute hearing they hunt as much by ear as by sight. If eagle soars into your life, the ability to hear spiritually and psychically will awaken.

Eagle reminds us to communicate with All That Is on a daily basis, so the gifts offered you can be utilised fully. Keeping this up removes judgement from our consciousness. When we cease to judge, we speak with encouragement and kindness towards others. Lessons that are linked with judgement are part of this medicine and sure to be coming your way.

If Eagle is your power animal, you feel the need to have an involvement with creation, a willingness to experience extremes, a willingness to use your abilities, a willingness to seek out your true emotions. You must become much more than you ever imagined would be possible.

Eagle symbolises a state of being that is reached through inner work, understanding and passing the initiation tests that come about from reclaiming our personal power. Eagle is the gift of clear vision with which one can truly see, to live in balance with heaven and Earth. Eagle shows you how to look above so you are able to touch Grandfather Sun with your heart, to love the Shadow as much as the Light. You are being asked to give yourself permission to be free in order to reach the joy that your heart longs for.

Combine the cranberries, apple, brown sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs on medium-high speed for 2 minutes. With the mixer on medium, add 1 cup of the granulated sugar, the butter, vanilla, and sour cream and beat just until combined. On low speed, slowly add the flour and salt.

Pour the fruit mixture evenly into a 10-inch glass pie plate. Pour the batter over the fruit, covering it completely. Combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon and sprinkle it over the batter. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean and the fruit is bubbling around the edges. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Fry meat in a little fat (shortening or cooking oil) until brown. Add rest of ingredients (except flour) and cover with water. Simmer until vegetables are almost tender. Stir 2 tb cooking water with 1 tb whole wheat flour, return to cook pot, simmer five more minutes while stirring. Add blue corn meal dumplings if desired (recipe also on this website).

* * * *

Ojibwa Baked Pumpkin

1 sm Pumpkin
1/4 c Apple cider
1/4 c Maple syrup
1/4 c Melted butter

Place whole pumpkin in oven and bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Cut hole off top and scoop out the pulp and seeds. Set seeds aside for later eating. Mix together remaining ingredients and pour into pumpkin and bake for 35 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve.

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It’s official, Baker wins Cherokee chief’s race

12 October 2011 Cherokee Nation Communications Office

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Following a three-day counting process, the Cherokee Nation Election Commission has certified the results of the special election for Principal Chief. The official results show Bill John Baker of Tahlequah received nearly 54 percent of the votes and will become the next Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

The official results, including all votes cast, show Baker receiving 10,703 votes to incumbent Chad Smith’s 9,128 votes. You may view the official results on the Cherokee Nation’s website at www.cherokee.org.

According to the tribe's election law, a request for a recount must be made by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19. The window closes at 5 p.m. on Oct. 24, to file an appeal to the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court challenging the validity of the election.

Details for an inaugural ceremony to swear in Chief-Elect Baker have not yet been specified. Baker is a Tahlequah businessman who has served multiple terms as a representative on the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council. He holds degrees in Political Science and History in Education with minors in Sociology and Psychology. Baker and his wife Sherry have six children and nine grandchildren.

Baker was re-elected to a six-year term on the Council in 2007 and his successful campaign for Principal Chief means that another special election will be held by the Nation to fill his District 1, Seat 1 office. District 1 represents Cherokee County and the eastern portion of Wagoner County. Timelines for that election will be announced soon by the Cherokee Nation Election Commission.

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Former BIA officer gets 4 years for corruption

09 November 2011 Associated Press

GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) – A former Bureau of Indian Affairs officer on the Fort Peck Reservation who was convicted of stealing from the tribe's loan program has been sentenced to four years and three months in prison.

U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon sentenced 63-year-old Florence White Eagle of Poplar on Monday and ordered her to pay $3,810 in restitution.

Prosecutors say the former BIA superintendent took a $15,000 loan from the Fort Peck credit program while helping co-conspirator and former supervisory credit manager Toni Greybull suppress a complaint by Greybull's mother that fraudulent loans had been taken out in her name. Greybull died in 2008.

White Eagle also was found guilty of facilitating the repayment of other fraudulent loans so earlier fraudulent loans would not be discovered. She is among several convicted in the scheme that ran from August 1999 through May 2009.

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The True Peace

The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness, with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize that at the center of the universe dwells Wakan-Taka (the Great Spirit), and that this center is really everywhere, it is within each of us.

This is the real peace, and the others are but reflections of this. The second peace is that which is made between two individuals, and the third is that which is made between two nations. But above all you should understand that there can never be peace between nations until there is known that true peace, which, as I have often said, is within the souls of men.

Black Elk, Oglala Sioux & Spiritual Leader (1863 - 1950)

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Leonard Peltier's

2011 HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE

Children's Toys and Winter Clothing

Please only send NEW items for children of ALL ages. Remember that our teens need some holiday cheer, too!